The Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Youth Ministry, as a national/denominational ministry, was established in 1974. Since then, it has been serving the youth of the church from the local church level up to the national level/ head office.

The primary place where youth ministry begins is the local church. At this level, the youth ministry is led by a youth committee, elected by the youth general assembly of the church. In most congregations, there is also a youth pastor or full-time youth ministry coordinator. From the local church upward, youth ministry is active in every structural level of the denomination.

At the national level, the youth ministry is led by the National Youth Board and the National Coordination Office. The National Office is directed by the National Youth Ministry Coordinator. Under this coordinator, the ministry is organized into five units, each serving a strategic role:

1. Youth Leadership Development Unit

The primary goal of this unit is to equip and develop youth leaders for both the current youth ministry and the future leadership of the church at large.

Its major focus is providing leadership development training mainly for zonal and district youth ministry leaders and ministers. Although the primary target is these structural levels, we also provide training for local churches. Our strategy as a national office is to equip those who will equip others.

2. Music and Worship Ministry Unit

The mission of this unit is to equip singers, worship leaders, choirs, and musicians. 

We provide training for solo singers, choir members, worship leaders, and instrumentalists so they may use their spiritual gifts and God-given skills in theologically sound and biblically rooted ways, for the glory of God and the edification of His people.

3. Student Ministry Unit

The main aim of this unit is to serve and equip university and college students.

We currently minister on more than 40 campuses across the country, with over 30 full-time and volunteer campus ministry coordinators. According to the EKHC Strategic Plan, reaching and discipling university and college students is one of our key focus areas.

4. Youth Discipleship Unit

Discipleship is one of the major priorities in our national strategic plan.

At the national level, we aim to double the number of our members and local churches by the end of 2027. Achieving this goal requires intentional investment in youth discipleship. Under this unit, we train and equip disciple-making disciples, following the TOT (Training of Trainers) model to multiply discipleship efforts across the country.

5. Sports for Gospel Ministry Unit

This unit uses sports, especially football and camping, as strategic tools to demonstrate Christ’s love and share the gospel. This ministry significantly contributes to our strategic plan, especially in the areas of mission and discipleship.

NB: The above descriptions are general summaries of each unit under the Youth Ministry. They are provided to give an overall understanding of the ministry’s direction and structure, and do not represent detailed explanations.